Lake Ontario Salmon Fishing - Port Dalhousie
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday salmon fishing trips on Lake Ontario watersFully equipped Lund boat accommodates up to three guestsAll gear provided, guests bring snacks and cooler
Picture this: you're out on Lake Ontario as the sun starts its climb, casting golden light across calm waters while your lines disappear into the depths where monster salmon are prowling. That's exactly what you'll get on our morning half-day trips from Port Dalhousie. Running from April through May and again in October-November, these 5-6 hour guided adventures put you right in the heart of some of the best salmon and trout fishing the Great Lakes has to offer. We keep it intimate with just 3 anglers max, so you're not fighting for rod space or waiting your turn to land that fish of a lifetime.
You'll meet us bright and early at Port Dalhousie, where our fully rigged Lund 1950 Tyee Magnum is waiting. This isn't some weekend warrior's tin boat - we're talking about a serious fishing machine built for Lake Ontario's big water. The boat comes loaded with all the gear you need, from downriggers to rod holders, tackle boxes stuffed with proven lures, and electronics that'll show us exactly where the fish are stacked up. All you need to bring is your appetite for salmon fishing, some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled, and a big cooler to haul home your catch. The beauty of these morning trips is you're fishing during prime time when salmon are most active, and you'll still have the afternoon to clean your fish and maybe grab a cold one to celebrate.
We run a trolling spread that's been dialed in over years of fishing these waters. Downriggers get our lures down to where the salmon are cruising - sometimes that's 40 feet, other times we're fishing 100 feet down or more depending on water temperature and where we're marking fish on the sonar. You'll see us running everything from spoons and plugs to meat rigs, and we're constantly adjusting speed, depth, and lure selection based on what's working. The Lund handles beautifully in Lake Ontario's conditions, whether we're dealing with glass-calm mornings or a bit of chop later in the day. Don't worry if you've never used downriggers before - we'll walk you through everything and make sure you know exactly what to do when that rod tip starts bouncing and the drag starts screaming.
Atlantic Salmon are the crown jewels of our Lake Ontario fishery, and these fish fight like nothing else in freshwater. They'll average 8-12 pounds but can push well over 20, and when you hook one, get ready for aerial displays that'll have you whooping and hollering. Spring and fall are prime time as they're feeding heavily and relating to temperature breaks where we can consistently find them. What makes Atlantics special is their acrobatic fights - they'll jump, tail-walk, and do everything possible to throw your hook.
Coho Salmon are pure dynamite in a smaller package, typically running 5-8 pounds but fighting way above their weight class. These silver bullets will absolutely destroy the calm morning surface when hooked, launching themselves skyward in spectacular fashion. They school up tight during our spring and fall seasons, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Cohos are what turn first-time salmon anglers into addicts - their aggressive strikes and high-flying fights are simply addictive.
Chinook Salmon are the heavyweights, with fish regularly topping 15-20 pounds and monsters pushing 30-plus. These are the fish that'll test your drag system and your arms, making long, powerful runs that can strip line off your reel faster than you'd believe. Kings prefer deeper, cooler water during our fishing seasons, which is why our downrigger setup is so effective. Landing a big Chinook is a team effort - we'll coach you through the fight while handling the boat and net.
Brown Trout are the most unpredictable fish we target, and that's what makes them so exciting. They can range from scrappy 3-pounders to absolute slobs over 15 pounds, and their feeding patterns change constantly. Browns are notorious for hitting lures with authority then going completely berserk, making erratic runs and head-shaking like they're possessed. Lake Ontario's Browns are fat and healthy from gorging on alewives, and they'll fight harder than any trout you've ever hooked.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists that'll give you a different kind of fight - less jumping, more bulldogging power as they try to get back to the depths. These fish can live for decades and grow huge, with 10-15 pounders common and true giants over 20 pounds always possible. Lakers are perfect for anglers who want steady action and great eating, plus they're incredibly photogenic with their distinctive spots and coloring.
Lake Ontario salmon fishing from Port Dalhousie doesn't get much better than this. You're getting a top-rated charter experience with proven tactics, professional equipment, and a captain who knows exactly where to find fish during our prime spring and fall seasons. With space for only 3 anglers, these trips book up fast - especially during peak salmon runs in May and October. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tackle Lake Ontario's world-class salmon fishery or someone who's always wanted to experience what Great Lakes fishing is all about, this is your chance to get on the water with a guide who'll put you on fish and make sure you have the trip of a lifetime.
Hit the waters of Lake Ontario aboard our reliable 2006 Lund aluminum skiff, perfectly rigged for serious salmon fishing. This 20-footer handles Lake Ontario's conditions with confidence, powered by a solid 225HP Mercury that'll get you to the fish fast and back to port safely. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working productive areas, while our fish finder helps locate schools and structure where salmon are holding. GPS keeps us on the productive spots trip after trip. With room for three anglers, there's plenty of space to fight fish without getting tangled up. The onboard multimedia system keeps things entertaining during longer runs, and yes, there's a head onboard for those extended sessions. Built tough for the Great Lakes, this Lund has the beam and stability you want when salmon are running hot and heavy off Port Dalhousie. Just bring your appetite for action and maybe some snacks – we've got the rest covered.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon average 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, with their distinctive silver bodies and bronze coloring during spawning runs. These are the premium target - unlike Pacific salmon, they can survive spawning multiple times, making each one special. You'll find them in deeper water around structure during our April-May and October-November windows when water temps are right. What makes Atlantic salmon fishing so rewarding is their legendary fight and that bright orange meat that's hard to beat at the table. They're incredibly light-sensitive, so focus your efforts during overcast conditions or low-light periods. My go-to tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but let them run - they'll tire themselves out with those famous jumps.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout in Lake Ontario typically run 8-24 inches, though we see plenty pushing 30+ inches and 9+ pounds. These smart fish love structure - drop-offs, rocky shelves, and temperature breaks where they ambush baitfish. During our spring and fall trips, they move into shallower water to feed aggressively, especially at night and low-light periods. Browns are prized for their wariness and fighting ability, plus that mild, sweet meat that's tough to beat. They prefer water temps between 54-65°F, which makes our April-May and October-November windows perfect. Here's a local secret: browns often hold just outside the main salmon schools, picking off injured baitfish. Try running smaller spoons and lighter tackle about 50 yards behind the main spread.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon, the kings of Lake Ontario, range from 12-39 inches and commonly hit 15-30 pounds out here. These bruisers stay deep most of the time since they're light-sensitive, usually hugging bottom structure in 60+ feet of water. Our April-May and October-November trips target them when they move up in the water column during cooler periods. What draws people to kings is that raw power - they're bulldogs that'll test your drag and your patience. The reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating too. Early morning and evening hours produce best since they avoid bright sunlight. Local trick: use heavy tackle and keep your lures near bottom with downriggers. When you hook a big king, don't rush it - these fish have the stamina to fight for 20+ minutes.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, typically run 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds in Lake Ontario waters. These acrobatic fighters can jump up to 6 feet vertically, making every hookup a show. You'll find them cruising mid-water depths, often suspended over deep basins but moving shallower during our prime April-May and October-November seasons. Cohos are aggressive feeders with that bright orange-red meat that makes them table favorites. They prefer cooler water temps and lower light conditions, so early morning and evening bites are usually best. Pro tip: when trolling for cohos, vary your speed every few minutes - that erratic action triggers strikes from fish that are just following. Their silver sides and dark backs make them easy to spot when they're active.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of the char family, commonly reaching 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds in Ontario's deep, cold waters. These fish live in the depths - often 80+ feet down in summer, though they come up during our cooler April-May and October-November seasons. Lakers prefer the deep basin areas with high oxygen levels, suspended over structure or cruising the thermocline. Anglers love them for their bulldogging fights and clean, flaky meat. They're most active during overcast days and low-light conditions when they'll move up to feed. Best technique here is vertical jigging with heavy spoons or jigs that mimic wounded baitfish. Keep your presentation tight to bottom and work it slowly - lakers aren't speed demons but they hit hard when they decide to feed.
Ontario